Predicting Former Ohio State Players' 2014 NFL Combine Performance

Predicting Former Ohio State Players' 2014 NFL Combine Performance

Ohio State trails only USC for the number of first-round draft picks it has produced, but the Buckeyes could cover some ground in 2014 when they send six alumni to Indianapolis for the NFL combine.

Of those six players, three (Ryan Shazier, Bradley Roby and Carlos Hyde) have a realistic shot of getting their names called on opening night of the draft. In order for that to happen, though, they'll need to put together outstanding performances this weekend.

What kinds of numbers will these former Buckeyes put up at the NFL Scouting Combine?

Corey Linsley

The Buckeyes bulldozed their way through the competition with an uptempo, power-running game that was fueled by strong and athletic offensive linemen.

Linsley was—literally and figuratively—the center of that success.

The 6'3", 297-pound lineman moves incredibly well for his size, and he's spent the last two years bullying the best defensive tackles in the Big Ten. Because of that, it would be a surprise if Linsley didn't have a strong showing at the combine.

Jack Mewhort

2 of 6

Jay LaPrete/Associated Press

40-YardDash: 5.29 seconds

Bench Press: 27 reps

Jack Mewhort is an excellent run-blocker, but he's equally good at staying in front of opposing defensive ends in pass-rushing situations.

At 6'6" and 308 pounds, he has the size and range to keep his defenders in front of him, but he also has the quickness and agility to be an effective run-blocker at the second level.

During his four-year career at Ohio State, Mewhort played right guard, left guard and left tackle, which speaks to his versatility. He'll highlight his speed and power at the combine, proving that he will be a viable right or left tackle for an NFL team next season.

He has NFL speed and is a very reliable pass-catcher, but he's had trouble getting separation at the line of scrimmage against press coverage. Having a strong showing on the bench press would improve his stock.

Bradley Roby

4 of 6

Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

40-YardDash: 4.40 seconds

Bench Press: 14 reps

Bradley Roby has all the physical tools to be a top-flight cornerback in the NFL.

He will register one of the fastest—if not the fastest—40-yard dashes among cornerbacks this year. His speed is his greatest asset on the field, and he'll use it to keep pace with the pass-heavy offenses at the next level.

The 5'11", 192-pound standout also has incredible strength, so expect him to rank among the top performers on the bench press.

If Roby lands in the right situation, he could wind up being the NFL's next great cover corner.

Ryan Shazier

5 of 6

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

40-YardDash:4.59 seconds

Bench Press: 22 reps

Ryan Shazier has incredible speed for an outside linebacker, making him an absolute nightmare for offenses when he comes off the edge.

That speed will be on full display as he should rank as one of the five fastest linebackers at the combine.

The 6'2", 230-pound standout is plenty strong, too. He piled up 249 total tackles over the last two seasons, but even more impressively, 39.5 of those came behind the line of scrimmage.

While he played in a 4-3 defense at Ohio State, Shazier could be best suited as a stand-up pass-rusher in a 3-4 defense.

Carlos Hyde

6 of 6

Associated Press

40-YardDash: 4.52 seconds

Bench Press: 25 reps

Running backs who are 6'0" and 235 pounds shouldn't be as fast as Carlos Hyde, but that's what makes the bulldozing ball-carrier so special.

He is one of the strongest running backs in the country, and he's at his best between the tackles when his team needs the tough yards. If he reaches the second level, he's either lowering his shoulder to lay a hit on a defender or finding a seam to break off a big play.

Hyde doesn't have incredible lateral speed, but when he hits the open field, he has enough in the tank to break away. That should show itself when he lines up for the 40-yard dash.